Pan, tilt and zoom (PTZ) IP cameras are a solid technological option for CCTV monitoring of large spaces or “touring” a pre-set area. PTZ cameras allow you to remotely adjust their position and zoom in and out on objects of interest.
PTZ cameras have a solid flexibility and ability, along with functionality of pre-set tours – where the PTZ camera alternates its field-of-view between two or more areas of interest.
ORIA Systems specialised in the deployment of IP PTZ cameras with touring ability. These PTZ Cameras have the ability to monitor and tour of a number of zones (a pre-defined area) and to activate an alarm when an object is tracking from one zone to another.
Most of the PTZ cameras today are equipped with a variety of intelligent CCTV features and can move between pre-set positions and zoom in automatically in response to detected events in a particular zone. This make the PTZ camera a popular choice for many live monitoring for the commercial / industrial & government applications.
ORIA Systems can assist your business in the selection of the right PTZ camera. As IP cameras technology is constantly evolving and there are some exciting PTZ camera features you can take advantage of for better quality video monitoring.
Stage 1 – Determining the Lens Focal Length and Resolution
If you’re capturing video outdoors, I recommend using Google Maps to measure the distance between where your PTZ camera will be mounted and where you expect to identify an object. Once you know that range, you can contact ORIA Systems for a technical advice and a fixed price quote. One of the most important capabilities that you need to consider when buying a PTZ camera, is to ensure that the camera’s a focal length (lens) will meets your requirements. The optical zoom of a PTZ camera (for example, 20X, 30X, or 40X) refers to the maximum focal length divided by the minimum focal length.
For example, a camera with a 5.8mm-145mm lens has 40X optical zoom. (145 / 5.8 = 25X).
If you need to capture sharp video of objects at a distance, ORIA Systems recommend looking for a camera with a minimum HD sensor and at least 2-megapixel resolution. HD sensors with long-range PTZ lenses can provide amazing clarity, even from 200 meters away.
Stage 2 – Determining the Distance of Night Vision Required
If you need to capture video at night, consider an IP PTZ camera with high-powered IR LEDs (usually the LED light is effective up to 200m), which can illuminate objects in total darkness from a considerable distance away.
For greater distance you will need to consider an IP PTZ camera with illumination laser that can illuminate up to 500 meters, this PTZ cameras are more expensive then the PTZ cameras with the conventional IR light.
Stage 3 – Consideration of PTZ Software and Features
Auto tracking
Auto tracking in PTZ cameras is nothing new, but in recent years, the technology has improved, making it much more effective at tracking objects of interest. Today, ORIA Systems can configure your camera’s auto tracking for objects of different sizes – small, medium and large, for example. You can also set the camera’s tracking zone, and the amount of zoom you want, all of which helps with tracking accuracy.
Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS)
PTZ cameras are often mounted high on top of buildings or poles to capture a wide area of interest. If you’re going to use your PTZ camera in this way, you should look for a camera that has Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS). This feature can stabilize the camera, reducing visible vibration and blurring, especially in windy areas.
Additional redundancy
PTZ Cameras require more power than the standard IP camera. Most PTZ cameras come equipped with electronic blowers and heaters, to ensure the PTZ camera is cool during summer and sufficiently warm during winter. In addition, some PTZ camera come with a 24 Volt AC power input and some camera manufacturers utilise POE+ to support the camera’s operation. If you run a 24 Volt AC cable with your camera’s PoE cable, you can ensure additional power redundancy. If the power goes out on one cable and you have a battery backup on the other cable, the camera will automatically switch over to the secondary input.
High Dynamic Range
Capturing surveillance video in areas with both bright sunlight and dark shadows is challenging. If this sounds like your field of view, then ORIA Systems suggest looking for a PTZ camera that uses High Dynamic Range (HDR).
HDR extends the dynamic range of the camera by taking two separate frames – one with a short exposure and one with a long exposure – and combining them in real-time into one image with the best balance of lighting possible. Essentially, HDR merges the highest-quality parts of two exposures into one image.
There are many different options for PTZ cameras and If you have questions about any of these features, or IP cameras in general, please feel free to contact ORIA Systems.
ORIA Systems’ professional installation team will ensure that your new IP PTZ camera system will operate to the highest standards and provide an outstanding image & video resolution, day or night. Our product range and in-house expertise offer you peace of mind knowing that as your organisation expands, your new IP PTZ camera system has the flexibility to grow with you.
